“Change” We Can Do Without…

This commentary was written by Jad Hage. You too can write for RonPaul.com by joining us here.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss

On November 4th, 2008, 8,538,559 more people voted for Barack Obama than did for John McCain, giving Obama a landslide victory in the Electoral College. Mr. Obama won this election by doing what most other campaigns try to do: run against the establishment on a message of ‘change’, not just in the superficial and artificial sense, but in a meaningful and profound way. Among other commitments, Obama promised to restore the rule of law and our cherished Constitutional principles. Touting his career as a Constitutional lawyer and law professor, Obama gave some hope to civil libertarians by denouncing torture, domestic spying, and Guantanamo Bay. He danced around these issues all the while voting for the FISA amendment and perpetuating his double-talk; saying one thing, and doing another.

Now that he’s been President for several weeks, Obama has begun to deal with an issue that is very dear to my heart: civil liberties. Throughout every one of his executive orders President Obama gave the appearance of reversing the policies of George Bush. However, he has left, and continues to leave, loopholes that allow for torture and extraordinary rendition. He is even open to “modified military commissions.” He will take over a year to close Guantanamo and he will allow the CIA to operate our empire overseas despite the predictable blowback that would result from this. He will continue to allow our troops to be stationed in over 135 countries across the globe. He will continue giving money to dictatorships. Essentially, the product was not as advertised. Barack Obama will not significantly change US policy. The deception continues.

The use and abuse of executive branch powers under Barack Obama will apparently be used no less than they were under his predecessor, George W. Bush. The office of the President of the United States of America, over the past 60 years, has grown increasingly and progressively more powerful and aggressive. This power has been taken forcefully by presidents over the years, each adding his own contribution and helping to set unfortunate precedent. Each president has used a ‘crisis’ to usurp more power from the Congress and the Legislature; Bush used the 9/11 attacks and Obama will use the economic crisis. The use of executive orders with almost no oversight from Congress or the courts will continue with Obama.

All of these culminate into one large disappointment for civil libertarians who believe in civil liberty, non-interventionism, and sound Constitutional principles. More and more it is becoming apparent that the vast majority of politicians in Washington are two sides of the same coin. More important and more worrisome, is the complete media blackout about important issues such as the Federal Reserve, our national sovereignty, third party candidates, monetary policy, and our foreign policy blow back.

Many Obama supporters may become disillusioned with their leader and may turn to a third party. Many Republicans may tire of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity and may do the same. Both Democrats and Republicans may become so disillusioned with their leadership in Congress that they may look to real alternatives, like Ron Paul. He represents more than himself; he represents a large swath of patriots in this country who reject the two self-serving corporate parties.

Now is the time to grow the Ron Paul movement. Spread the message! From 2009 and into the future, the Ron Paul Revolution lives on.

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Jad Hage

I am a young, politically active defender of liberty and freedom. I oppose anybody, Republican, Democrat, or otherwise, who would seek to take away any of my civil liberties or freedoms that I enjoy. I maintain a political news blog at http://plunditry.com . Feel free to visit it and tell me what you think.

9:14 am: "ooo wow nice attempt at a ad hom! Did the reds steal the election from you? Where is McCarthy when you need him? Am I right?" - JBrown

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